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1 – 10 of 148Lisa Maria Beethoven Steene, Lisa Gaylor and Jane L. Ireland
The current review aims to focus on how risk and protective factors for self-harm in secure mental health hospitals are captured in the literature.
Abstract
Purpose
The current review aims to focus on how risk and protective factors for self-harm in secure mental health hospitals are captured in the literature.
Design/methodology/approach
Fifty-seven articles were included in a systematic review, drawn from an initial 1,119 articles, post duplicate removal. Databases included Psycinfo, Psycarticles, Psycnet, Web of Science and EBSCO host. A thematic analysis was used, which included a meta-ethnographic approach for considering qualitative papers.
Findings
There was a clear focus on risk factors, with eight identified (in order of occurrence): raised emotional reactivity and poor emotion regulation; poor mental health; traumatic experiences; personality disorder diagnosis and associated traits; increased use of outward aggression – dual harm; constraints of a secure environment and lack of control; previous self-harm and suicide attempts; and hopelessness. Protective factors featured less, resulting in only three themes emerging (in order of occurrence): positive social support and communication; positive coping skills; and hope/positive outlook.
Research limitations/implications
This includes a proposal to move focus away from “risk” factors, to incorporate “needs”, in terms of individual and environmental factors. There is also a need for more attention to focus on developing high quality research in this area.
Originality/value
The research captures an area where a synthesis of research has not been comprehensively undertaken, particularly with regards to capturing protective as well as risk factors.
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Ahmad Farhan Alshira’h, Malek Hamed Alshirah and Abdalwali Lutfi
This study aims to determine the impact of forensic accounting, probability of detections, tax penalties, government spending, tax justice and tax ethics on value-added tax (VAT…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the impact of forensic accounting, probability of detections, tax penalties, government spending, tax justice and tax ethics on value-added tax (VAT) evasion.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses partial least squares-structural equation modeling to examine the connection between tax sanction, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and government spending on VAT evasion based on 248 responses collected from the retail industry in Jordan.
Findings
The findings also demonstrate that there is a negative correlation between tax sanctions, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting, government spending and VAT evasion efficiency.
Practical implications
The results, considering forensic accounting and government expenditure considerations, may emphasize the importance of the tax sanction, probability of detection, tax ethics, adoption of tax justice in the public sector and tax authority. Additionally, the findings are important for regulators and decision-makers in announcing new laws and strategies for VAT evasion.
Social implications
It turns out that the tax authority and public sector can definitely improve their capacity to protect public funds and limit VAT evasion practices within SMEs by adopting increased tax sanctions, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and government spending.
Originality/value
Numerous studies have been conducted at the individual level in the context of income tax on the link between tax punishment, probability of detection, tax ethics, tax justice, forensic accounting and tax evasion. This study expands on the scant evidence of this connection to the retail business in the context of VAT avoidance. Additionally, it advances prior studies by integrating fresh elements, such as forensic accounting and government expenditure, that have never been considered in connection to VAT evasion in the retail sector.
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A region’s transforming care partnership identified that autistic adults without an intellectual disability (ID) may be falling through gaps in services when presenting with a…
Abstract
Purpose
A region’s transforming care partnership identified that autistic adults without an intellectual disability (ID) may be falling through gaps in services when presenting with a significant emotional and/or behavioural need in the absence of a mental health diagnosis. The region’s intensive support teams (ISTs) for adults with ID therefore piloted a short-term “behavioural support service” for this population. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate this pilot.
Design/methodology/approach
This study represents a mixed-methods service evaluation over a four year pilot period. The quantitative component examined referral rates and demographic data of accepted and declined referrals; and length of referral episodes and Health of The Nation Outcomes Scores (HoNOS) for accepted referrals. The qualitative component used thematic analysis to identify key themes relating to reasons for referral, clinical/therapeutic needs, and the models of support that most informed assessments and interventions at individual and systems levels.
Findings
The ISTs accepted 30 referrals and declined 53. Most accepted referrals were male (83%), and under 24 years old (57%). Average HoNOS scores were above the thresholds generally associated with hospital admission. Key qualitative themes were: transitional support; sexual risks/vulnerabilities; physical aggression; domestic violence; and attachment, trauma and personality difficulties. Support mostly followed psychotherapeutic modalities couched in trauma, attachment and second- and third-wave cognitive behavioural therapies. Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) did not emerge as a model of preference for service users or professionals.
Originality/value
This project represents one of the first of this type for autistic adults without an ID in the UK. It provides recommendations for future service development and research, with implications for Transforming Care policy and guidance.
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Stalking is considered a public health priority with a range of adverse outcomes. This paper aims to explore existing literature on children and adolescents as perpetrators of…
Abstract
Purpose
Stalking is considered a public health priority with a range of adverse outcomes. This paper aims to explore existing literature on children and adolescents as perpetrators of stalking, with a focus on rates of stalking and victim and perpetrator characteristics associated with stalking.
Design/methodology/approach
A review of research where stalking was engaged in by those 18 years old and younger was conducted, where 17 manuscripts met criteria for review.
Findings
This review found a prevalence of young people engaging in stalking of between 5.3% and 36%. Considerations including demographics, typologies, prior relationship characteristics, stalking and pursuit tactics, cyberstalking and a brief consideration of the impact are given.
Practical implications
Literature considering perpetration remains thin, and future research should seek to move towards a widely acceptable definition of stalking, as well as considering effective interventions for early intervention, and to consider the role of mental health services in supporting perpetrators and victims, who may not always be mutually exclusive groups.
Originality/value
This paper extends previous literature reviews; the authors understand this to be original work that contributes to a gap in the literature.
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Yara Levtova, Irma Melunovic, Caroline Louise Mead and Jane L. Ireland
This preliminary investigation aims to examine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients and staff within a high secure service.
Abstract
Purpose
This preliminary investigation aims to examine the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on patients and staff within a high secure service.
Design/methodology/approach
To discern the connection between COVID-19-related distress and multiple factors, the study involved 31 patients and 34 staff who completed assessments evaluating coping strategies, resilience, emotional reactivity, ward atmosphere and work-related aspects.
Findings
Results demonstrated that around a third of staff (31.2%) experienced COVID-19-related distress levels that met the clinical cut-off for possible post-traumatic stress disorder. Emotional reactivity, staff shortages, secondary traumatic stress and coping strategies were all positively correlated with COVID-19-related-distress. Resilience was negatively associated with distress, thus acting as a potential mitigating factor. In comparison, the prevalence of distress among patients was low (3.2%).
Practical implications
The authors postulate that increased staff burdens during the pandemic may have led to long-term distress, while their efforts to maintain minimal service disruption potentially shielded patients from psychological impacts, possibly lead to staff “problem-focused coping burnout”. This highlights the need for in-depth research on the enduring impacts of pandemics, focusing on mechanisms that intensify or alleviate distress. Future studies should focus on identifying effective coping strategies for crisis situations, such as staff shortages, and strategies for post-crisis staff support.
Originality/value
The authors postulate that the added burdens on staff during the pandemic might have contributed to their distress. Nonetheless, staff might have inadvertently safeguarded patients from the pandemic’s psychological ramifications by providing a “service of little disruption”, potentially leading to “problem-focused coping burnout”. These findings underscore the imperative for further research capturing the enduring impacts of pandemics, particularly scrutinising factors that illuminate the mechanisms through which distress is either intensified or alleviated across different groups. An avenue worth exploring is identifying effective coping styles for pandemics.
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Rahaf Ibrahim Alkhalaileh, Hashem Alshurafat and Huthaifa Al-Hazaima
This research study aims to identify barriers to incorporating forensic accounting into accounting curricula in Jordanian universities. The study examines the differences in…
Abstract
Purpose
This research study aims to identify barriers to incorporating forensic accounting into accounting curricula in Jordanian universities. The study examines the differences in perspectives among various accounting education stakeholders, including students, educators and accounting and auditing employees/managers, on forensic accounting education.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology is quantitative and involves administering a survey questionnaire. The data obtained are analyzed using techniques including t-test analysis, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc.
Findings
The study reveals that educators have a more favorable view toward incorporating forensic accounting into university accounting curricula in Jordan, while accountants and auditors (employees/managers) are more strongly convinced of its importance. Furthermore, the biggest challenge to integrating forensic accounting, as perceived by stakeholders, is the lack of related job opportunities.
Practical implications
The study significantly contributes to accounting education research by providing valuable information on barriers to incorporating forensic accounting into the accounting curricula of Jordanian educational institutions from the perceptive of various stakeholders. Therefore, this study may assist educators in overcoming obstacles in offering forensic accounting education.
Originality/value
The study carries important implications for the inclusion of forensic accounting in the accounting curricula of Jordanian educational institutions. By comprehending the different viewpoints of various stakeholders, educators and policymakers can address recognized challenges and strive for the effective integration of forensic accounting in accounting curricula. As a result, accounting students will receive a more comprehensive education, and graduates will be better equipped for successful careers in the field.
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Aline Renda and Stefano Caneppele
Criminals have quickly discovered the advantage of crypto assets, with its pseudo-anonymity, untraceability and the ability to freely exchange crypto assets across borders, which…
Abstract
Purpose
Criminals have quickly discovered the advantage of crypto assets, with its pseudo-anonymity, untraceability and the ability to freely exchange crypto assets across borders, which makes it an ideal tool for money laundering activities. Switzerland has a technology-neutral framework, and crypto assets are regulated by the existing anti-money laundering (AML) legislation. The purpose of this paper is to gain insights into the industry adoption of measurements to prevent money laundering through crypto assets and if they are compliant with national and international AML regulations.
Design/methodology/approach
Semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with participants having expertise in compliance, AML and crypto assets with focus on Switzerland. The interviews were analyzed using the thematic analysis.
Findings
The experts have a general consensus that Switzerland is a pioneer when it comes to regulating crypto assets. It is perceived that legislations are released without industry consultation and that AML processes for fiat transactions also work for crypto assets, which is not the case. The results show that the industry wants a consortium to fight money laundering in crypto assets in Switzerland. The current measures to identify money laundering are not optimal, yet, it is the best solution and according to national and international regulations the businesses are perceived to be compliant.
Originality/value
This paper offers new insights on the challenges of AML regulations in crypto assets, given the limited information available. It also provides good practice examples for addressing these challenges, benefiting policymakers, regulators and practitioners in the crypto asset ecosystem.
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The purpose of this paper is to examine the currently known techniques to tackle money laundering in Bitcoin mixers, and examine what gaps exist that would allow a criminal to get…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the currently known techniques to tackle money laundering in Bitcoin mixers, and examine what gaps exist that would allow a criminal to get away with laundering Bitcoin obtained through illicit activities.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper first establishes the relevant properties of Bitcoin, how transactions occur over the Bitcoin network and then introduces the Bitcoin transaction graph as an important data structure for any analysis of Bitcoin transactions. Next, the paper outlines how Bitcoin mixing works, along with the relevant properties of mixers that would be relevant for money laundering. The paper then assesses the known methods for identifying mixed transactions within the Bitcoin network, followed by an assessment on identifying money laundering activities on known mixed transactions.
Findings
This paper argues that there remains a gap for criminals to launder money through Bitcoin mixing services as known methods would unlikely be able to trace a tainted transaction that goes through a decentralized mixer that uses off-chain communication techniques to coordinate the mixing and charges randomized mixing fees.
Research limitations/implications
The study of known methods is restricted to literature published in the public domain. There are private organizations that are tackling similar problems, but their methods are not published and therefore cannot be included in this paper.
Originality/value
To best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first paper that performs a contemporaneous review on anti-money laundering in the context of Bitcoin mixing. This paper could assist regulators and policymakers in their understanding of Bitcoin mixers and provide guidance on where they should focus their resources to address the money laundering problem of Bitcoin mixing.
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Marije Keulen-de Vos, Martine Herzog-Evans and Massil Benbouriche
The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive value of psychopathy features on crime-related emotional states in forensic male patients with offence histories who were…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to examine the predictive value of psychopathy features on crime-related emotional states in forensic male patients with offence histories who were mandated to Dutch clinical care.
Design/methodology/approach
The study had a retrospective design in which psychopathy features were assessed using the Psychopathy Checklist-Revised. For each patient, information on the events leading up to the crime and a description of the crime itself were extracted from the hospital record to assess emotional states. These crime-related emotional states were assessed using the mode observation scale. The sample consisted of 175 patients with offence histories.
Findings
Multiple regression analyses indicated that affective features of psychopathy were a negative predictor for feelings of vulnerability in the events leading up to the crime but not predictive of loneliness. The interpersonal features were predictive of deceit during criminal behaviour.
Practical implications
This study leads to a better, more nuanced and substantiated understanding of which emotional states play a prominent role in criminal behaviour and how these states are affected by psychopathic traits. This knowledge can influence existing treatment programmes for patients with offence histories.
Originality/value
Several studies have examined the relationship between emotional states and criminal behaviour and between psychopathy and emotions, but less is known about the predictive relationship between psychopathy features and crime-scene-related emotional states.
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